The Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for thought leadership and implementation of strategies that align the cultivation of resources and partnerships with our strategic mission. The DOD serves as the Chief Development Officer, planning and implementing programs and solutions to meet our current and future-facing fundraising needs. The DOD works in close partnership with MBGNA's Director and leadership team, providing senior-level expertise, partnership, and collaboration. Reporting to the Director of MBGNA, you will lead and manage two regular employees and several seasonal student staff. This is a hybrid position and in-person work will be in Ann Arbor, MI. 

Who We Are

University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:

Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails

Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world

Emerging as University of Michigan's premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity

Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world
 

MBGNA seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and sustain the excellence of University of Michigan.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a
secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off

A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Campaign and Strategic Initiatives (30%)

Develop and implement MBGNA's fundraising campaign plan, in alignment with the MBGNA strategic vision and the University's campaign priorities - particularly sustainability, student experience, and DEI

Monitor fundraising campaign progress and adapts strategies to achieve campaign goals

Conceptualizes, directs, and manages engagement initiatives that build and enhance relationships with donors and strategic partners

Lead the Capital Campaign Committee and support the Director in leading a National Advisory Board, including conducting a series of strategic meetings each year and recruiting/retaining board members

Strategizes increased engagement with OUD, Deans, executive officers, and other UM
internal audiences

Major Gifts (60%)

Drive strategic development production for major and leadership gifts

Manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects and donors, with an emphasis on large gifts

Create strategies to increase planned giving, particularly to unrestricted funds, innovation, and education endowments

Support the Director's major gift strategies and activities, with a strong emphasis on cultivation and solicitation activities

Leads naming gifts and initiatives

Occasional travel and work outside the normal workday for development events and relationships

Leadership/Administration (10%)

With the Marketing and Communications Lead, co-leads the Development/Communications working group, creating a collaborative and positive
environment, and productive workflow

Supervise and manage the Assistant Director for Development, the Volunteer and Membership Manager, and Student Employees

Plan and monitor the budgets for donor-focused engagement initiatives and events

Participate in committees and meetings to collaboratively coordinate relevant MBGNA initiatives

Initiate reports, conducts studies, and performs other tasks related to development at the direction of the Director

Other duties as assigned 
 

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Six or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in a relevant setting with a comprehensive development program.

Expertise in fundraising activities, including proven success in gift closure at the five-and six-figure level

Experience leading the development and implement strategic programs and plans

Experience working collaboratively with diverse constituents 

Additional Information

Compensation: $110,000 - $115,000

For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu 

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position. Due to technical limitations, please upload as one document. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your experiences that directly relate to this position. We'd be particularly interested to read about your experiences leading or participating in efforts that drive the public good and how that relates to MBGNA's cultural and ecological goals.

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